Penn State will gradually get back some of its lost scholarships, the NCAA announced Tuesday, because of "continued progress toward ensuring athletics integrity."

In July 2012, the NCAA handed down sanctions against Penn State stemming from the Jerry Sandusky child-sex scandal. The penalties included a $60 million fine, a four-year postseason ban, vacating wins from 1998-2011 as well as 40 scholarship losses -- 10 per year for four years.

Because of that scholarship reduction, Penn State would be allowed no more than 65 scholarship players -- just two more than is allowed for FCS teams.

But with the news Tuesday, five scholarships will be restored to Penn State in the next academic year (2014-15). That will allow Penn State to have 75 scholarship players. That number will go up five more in 2015-16 to give PSU 80 scholarships and in 2016-17, that number returns to 85.

"Today's announcement by the NCAA is tremendous news," Penn State coach Bill O'Brien said in a statement. "As a staff, we are especially pleased for our players, who have proven themselves to be a resilient group of young men who are able to look ahead, focus and overcome adversity. Penn State has long been known for graduating its student-athletes and providing them with a world-class education. The scholarship additions will allow us to provide more student-athletes with a tremendous opportunity to earn that degree and play football for Penn State."

The move was made based on recommendations from George Mitchell, the former U.S. senator and the independent Athletics Integrity Monitor for Penn State.

"While there is more work to be done, Penn State has clearly demonstrated its commitment to restoring integrity in its athletics program," Mitchell said in a statement. "The university has substantially completed the first initial implementation of all the Freeh Report recommendations and its obligations to the Athletics Integrity Agreement, so relief from the scholarship reductions is warranted and deserved."

The $60 million fine, postseason ban and other sanctions remain intact.

The NCAA cited that Penn State's progress in the Athletics Integrity Agreement, including the hiring of its first Chief Compliance Officer and first Athletics Integrity Officer.

"The goal has always been to ensure the university reinforces clear expectations and a daily mindset within athletics that the highest priority must be placed on educating, nurturing and protecting young people," NCAA president Mark Emmert said. "The Executive Committee's decision to restore the football scholarships provides additional education opportunities and is an important recognition of Penn State's progress."

Penn State finished 8-4 last season in Bill O'Brien's first year as head coach. The Nittany Lions are 3-1 this season.